Off the Cliff

Off the Cliff

In this eNews: The childcare "cliff" leaves vulnerable families without help, before they can make it alone; the foreclosure crisis continues to threaten Ohio families and create blight; a new resolution could fund crucial elder protection, more is needed; we weigh in on state and local issues; and our latest video underscores our mission to build a stronger and more equitable Ohio.

Off the Cliff - Childcare aid is a crucial work support that helps parents, children and employers. But before families make enough to survive, the credit disappears; this “cliff” and other problems discourage workers from taking on more hours and advancing on the job. Check out our report and the Akron Beacon Journal’s great editorial on the topic.

Home Insecurity - Despite a welcome 25 percent drop, Ohio foreclosure filings in 2013 were still 2.5 times the average rate in the 1990s, before predatory lending schemes and the foreclosure crisis. Housing insecurity continues to threaten Ohio families and create urban blight across the state. What will help? Renewing funds for foreclosure counseling to help keep Ohioans in their homes, and demolishing blighted and abandoned homes.

Silent Epidemic - Ohio’s lack of capacity to protect the elderly from neglect and abuse, coupled with a sharp increase in the population of Ohioans age 60 and older, makes a strong case to boost spending on Adult Protective Services, according to our latest report. The Ohio House has taken a step in the right direction with a proposal to budget $10 million; the Senate should take it a step further to help slow the epidemic that’s hitting vulnerable seniors.